Henderson, Texas is the county seat of Rusk County, Texas. While most county seats have a historic courthouse square, in Henderson the courthouse is offset from the rest of downtown. The town was founded in 1843.
Henderson has a population of 13,000 people. There are many historical markers throughout the town, and several of them are on buildings that pre-date the Civil War. In the 1930’s the discovery of oil in this part of East Texas brought a continued prosperity to the region.
Location
Henderson is located in the Pineywoods region of East Texas. It is a short distance from Carthage, Texas; Longview, Texas; Tyler, Texas; and Jacksonville, Texas.
When to Visit
The best time of year to visit Henderson, Texas is in November for the Heritage Syrup Festival. The festival is held on the second Saturday of November.
Henderson is on the East Texas Wildflower Trail which runs from April 15 – May 31 of each year.
What to Do in Henderson
Rusk County Courthouse
115 N Main St #101, Henderson, TX 75652
As the county seat of Rusk County, Henderson has a historic courthouse. This particular courthouse was built in 1928. Most of the area immediately surrounding the courthouse is dedicated to county business. There is also an old cemetery near the courthouse.
The Depot Museum
514 N High St, Henderson, TX 75652
Open weekdays 9 AM – 4 PM. Admission is $3.
The museum has five acres of land and twelve restored structures on the property. The museum focuses on the history of Rusk County and on the preservation of the area’s cultural heritage.
Heritage Syrup Festival
Saturday November 9, 2024.
Known as the sweetest festival in Texas. The festival is about old-fashioned syrup making from crushed sugar cane. The syrup is made using a historic mill that is powered by a mule. The festival is the second Saturday in November every year.
Campfire Coffee and Mercantile
100 E Main St, Henderson, TX 75652
A coffee shop right in the heart of the historic downtown that is designed with an inviting mix of historic and modern elements. It is worth stopping by even if you are just driving through.
Campfire Coffee is in the Merritt building, which is one of the first lots that was built up when the town was built. In 1883 Jesse Merritt bought the property and built a brick building for his saloon.
Henderson Civic Theatre in the Opera House
122 E Main St, Henderson, TX 75652
On Main Street you will find an opera house that was built in 1885. The building has been preserved and is now used by Henderson Civic Theatre. The group does performances throughout the year.
Lake Forest Park
1005 State Hwy 64, Henderson, TX 75652
Lake Forest Park is a large park with a lake. There are walking trails and restrooms.